# Optimisation of a cylindrical container

1. Jun 27, 2006

Hey
I am given the set volume for a cylindrical container and separating pricing for the material used to construct the container, the base and the side wall. The ends of the container cost $0.05 per cm2 and the side walls$0.04 cm2, and the volume is 400 mL. The question asks: What is the best design for the container i.e., measurements to ensure that cost is at a minimum.

_________________________________

my working:
V = 400 mL
Ends costs $0.05 per cm2 Side wall costs$0.04 cm2
Area of ends = $$2 \pi r^2$$
Area of side wall $$2 \pi r h$$
V = 400, therefore since V = $$\pi r^2 h$$, $$h = \frac{400}{\pi r^2}$$ (1)
Cost for one container = $$0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r h)$$ (2)
Therefore substituting (1) into (2), cost = $$0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r \frac{400}{\pi r^2})$$
Differentiating the cost function gives: $$\frac {dC}{dr} = 0.2 \pi r + \frac {96}{r^2}$$
The value of $$r$$ where there is no rate of change = -5.34601847

_________________________________

I am not sure if what I have done after and including the differentiation is correct. Since I have got a negative answer for the value of r, I am thinking that what I have done is wrong, as you cannot have a negative radius. Would the second derivative help with the sloving this equation, if so how?
Many thanks,

2. Jun 27, 2006

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Go ahead and write this out: cost= $$0.1 \pi r^2+ \frac{32}{r}[/itex] Not quite. It gives [tex]\frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{64}{r^2}$$.
Notice the negative sign! The derivative of r-1 is -r-2.

You should have $$r^3= \frac{0.2 \pi}{32}$$.

3. Jun 28, 2006

oh i sorta get it now, well at least more than before, thanks

4. Jun 28, 2006

thanks for the reply, however im not sure how u got the derivitive of the cost being equal to $$\frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{64}{r^2}$$. Im not sure on how to achieve the value of 64 as i get a value of 32. My derrivitive: $$\frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{32}{r^2}$$. Could u please explain how this is achieved? help greatly appriciated

5. Jun 28, 2006

### arunbg

Yes, I think that was a typo from Halls .

6. Jun 28, 2006

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
No, just stupidity!

7. Jun 28, 2006